Hidden Flames..

Chapter 16

As Ethan pulled into the parking lot of the bar, his heart was already racing. He had made it just in time. Through the window, he could see Lily sitting at a booth with Mia and Rachel, both of them slouched in their seats, clearly tipsy. Lily was the only one still awake, her head propped up on her arms, but there was a distant look in her eyes.

He stepped out of the car and dialed his assistant, Tyler, quickly."Tyler, I need you to do something for me," Ethan said, trying to keep his voice steady. "Can you make sure Mia and Rachel get home safely? They're with Lily right now, but she's a bit... off. I'll take care of her, but I need you to handle the other two.""Got it, boss," Tyler replied, his voice sharp with understanding.

Ethan hung up the phone and took a deep breath, walking briskly into the bar. He spotted Lily immediately—her head still resting on the table, her posture slouched, her usual energy gone. The sight of her like this tugged at something deep within him. She wasn't the confident, fiery woman he had seen just days ago. She was vulnerable, lost in the haze of too many drinks.He approached the table, his gaze softening as he looked down at her. "Lily," he said gently, leaning in closer. "Hey, are you okay?"

Lily blinked a few times, her eyes unfocused as she looked up at him, a small, tipsy smile forming on her lips. "Ethan," she murmured, her voice slurring. "You came for me. You really came.""Of course I did," Ethan replied, offering her a reassuring smile. "Come on, let's get you out of here."He helped her to her feet, her balance wobbly as she leaned into him. Ethan felt a surge of protectiveness. She wasn't just Jake's sister anymore, not the way he had always thought of her. Now, she was something more, someone he couldn't ignore. The thought made his chest tighten, but he pushed it down.

Turning to Mia and Rachel, still half-asleep at the booth, Ethan spoke to the bartender. "Hey, can you make sure Mia and Rachel get home safely? I've arranged for a ride."The bartender nodded, and Ethan took Lily's arm, guiding her out of the bar. Her body pressed into his as they walked, her soft breath warm against his skin. He was acutely aware of her proximity, of the way her hand brushed against his, and he had to fight the urge to pull her closer, to feel her against him more fully.Outside, he guided her into the passenger seat of his car, making sure she was settled in. He could see her trying to fight the sleepiness pulling at her, her eyelids fluttering as she leaned back against the seat.

"You okay?" Ethan asked as he slid into the driver's seat, his hand gripping the wheel tightly. "Mmm," Lily hummed, her voice thick with alcohol. "I think I'm fine... but you know what, Ethan? You're always there. And I... I don't know. I don't know what's happening with me."Ethan's heart skipped. He glanced at her for a second, seeing the vulnerability in her eyes. "Lily, you've had a few too many tonight. Let's just get you home and sober up, alright?"But Lily didn't seem to hear him. Her words came out in a soft murmur, her voice laced with confusion and something else, something he couldn't quite place. "I thought... I thought I could get over it. But I just can't... not when you're so close. Why are you so... so distant sometimes? You don't see me, Ethan. Not like... like I see you."

The confession hung in the air, her words both fragile and heavy, and Ethan could feel the weight of them settling into his chest. He kept his eyes focused on the road, unsure of how to respond. He couldn't let her get tangled up in her feelings tonight—not in this state. "I'm not distant, Lily," he said softly, his tone careful. "I'm just trying to make sure you're alright. You're drunk, that's all. We'll talk when you're feeling better."She let out a little laugh, her hand brushing her hair back as she tilted her head toward him. "You always know how to fix things, don't you?"Ethan smiled faintly, though his insides twisted. "I'm not trying to fix anything. I just don't want you to do something you'll regret.""Too late," Lily muttered, her voice trailing off as she slowly sank into a quiet stupor. "I already did."The rest of the drive was filled with silence, save for the occasional soft sound from Lily as she drifted in and out of consciousness. Ethan kept his focus on the road, his mind racing despite his calm demeanor. Her words replayed in his head, over and over."Ethan, I meant it, you know. I *will* stop liking you. I have to.". He could feel his heart tighten, something stirring inside him that he couldn't ignore, no matter how much he tried.

He arrived at his apartment, parked, and came around to help Lily out of the car. She barely stirred when he lifted her into his arms, her head resting against his shoulder. Ethan's pulse quickened at the sensation of holding her so close, but he forced himself to focus, pushing aside the temptation to linger in the moment.Once inside, he carefully set her down on his couch. She looked so small there, so vulnerable, her face relaxed in sleep. He draped a blanket over her, keeping his distance, but his thoughts were still a swirl of conflicting emotions.*What am I doing?*He wanted to protect her, keep her safe—but the pull between them was undeniable. He'd always known she was special, but this new feeling was something he hadn't prepared for. As Lily slept, Ethan stood by the window, staring out into the night, the weight of what had just happened settling in. He had crossed a line tonight—no matter how innocent it seemed. And he couldn't help but wonder if things would ever be the same again.